Any Bilstein experts out there?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Little Elm TX
Any Bilstein experts out there?
Whats the difference between the B46-1177 and B46-1178 compared to the B46-2057 and B46-2058? They are both Z51 shocks.
I currently have the B46-2053 and B46-2054's and would like to bump up to the Z-51 shock but would like to know the differences between the ones listed above. I know they show the first to fit '89-'94 and the later to fit '95-'96, but the standard ones fit '89-'96 so I assume either of the above will fit. I'll have a call into Bilstein on Monday if the forum experts :D don't help me out first. :thumbs:
I currently have the B46-2053 and B46-2054's and would like to bump up to the Z-51 shock but would like to know the differences between the ones listed above. I know they show the first to fit '89-'94 and the later to fit '95-'96, but the standard ones fit '89-'96 so I assume either of the above will fit. I'll have a call into Bilstein on Monday if the forum experts :D don't help me out first. :thumbs:
Team Owner
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: Any Bilstein experts out there? (R94 LT 1)
Are you sure one set isnt a 'autocross' shock? They would probably both be listed as Z51 shocks.
Unless one set is FX3.
Unless one set is FX3.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Little Elm TX
Re: Any Bilstein experts out there? (vader86)
Are you sure one set isnt a 'autocross' shock? They would probably both be listed as Z51 shocks.
Unless one set is FX3.
Unless one set is FX3.
My "thinking" is that we all know how common it was to hear complaints on how harsh the Z51 suspension was. So I'm "thinking" that possibly the listing for the Z51 shocks for '95-'96 while still being a Z51 sport shock, aren't as harsh as the earlier '89-'94 ones. If that's the case then I know which ones I'd like. :yesnod: I just want to be sure before I put down $300 for a set.
On another note, I've heard people having their Bilstein's rebuilt for like $50-55. Where did you get it done at? That's about a $20-25 savings per shock. I'd like to get my base ones rebuilt so I'd have the option of switching them out if the Z51's prove to be to much for daily use.
Team Owner
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
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Re: Any Bilstein experts out there? (R94 LT 1)
While Bilstein may show a "Z51" shock to indicate a stiffer valving, there was no RPO Z51 in 94. The base suspension (FE1) shocks were different for coupes and convertibles. The only shock option was the FX3 system which was optional on LT1 cars and standard on the ZR1. RPO Z07 was a performance suspension package which included FX3 shocks. Check here: http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/c4/susp_chart.html
The best bet is to talk to Bilstein and see if they can provide some information on differences in stiffness. Those part numbers may be nothing more than the difference in the years. In some of the C4's the front shock was the same regardless of base or optional suspension. The rear shock was stiffer with Z51. The spring rates of 95-96 cars softened dramatically as you can see in the chart so the shock valving probably has to change too to maintain proper handling characteristics.
Bilstein can rebuild shocks and also provide custom valving for specific applications like autocross or track use. Bilstein in Poway, CA does that work. If you called 1-800 537-1085, that's the CA office. Ask to talk to Jack or Bill
The $55 per shock is from what I understand, am old price. Figure upwards of $65 to 100 for a custom valving job.
The best bet is to talk to Bilstein and see if they can provide some information on differences in stiffness. Those part numbers may be nothing more than the difference in the years. In some of the C4's the front shock was the same regardless of base or optional suspension. The rear shock was stiffer with Z51. The spring rates of 95-96 cars softened dramatically as you can see in the chart so the shock valving probably has to change too to maintain proper handling characteristics.
Bilstein can rebuild shocks and also provide custom valving for specific applications like autocross or track use. Bilstein in Poway, CA does that work. If you called 1-800 537-1085, that's the CA office. Ask to talk to Jack or Bill
The $55 per shock is from what I understand, am old price. Figure upwards of $65 to 100 for a custom valving job.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Little Elm TX
Re: Any Bilstein experts out there? (c4cruiser)
While Bilstein may show a "Z51" shock to indicate a stiffer valving, there was no RPO Z51 in 94. The base suspension (FE1) shocks were different for coupes and convertibles. The only shock option was the FX3 system which was optional on LT1 cars and standard on the ZR1. RPO Z07 was a performance suspension package which included FX3 shocks. Check here: http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/c4/susp_chart.html
The best bet is to talk to Bilstein and see if they can provide some information on differences in stiffness. Those part numbers may be nothing more than the difference in the years. In some of the C4's the front shock was the same regardless of base or optional suspension. The rear shock was stiffer with Z51. The spring rates of 95-96 cars softened dramatically as you can see in the chart so the shock valving probably has to change too to maintain proper handling characteristics.
Bilstein can rebuild shocks and also provide custom valving for specific applications like autocross or track use. Bilstein in Poway, CA does that work. If you called 1-800 537-1085, that's the CA office. Ask to talk to Jack or Bill
The $55 per shock is from what I understand, am old price. Figure upwards of $65 to 100 for a custom valving job.
The best bet is to talk to Bilstein and see if they can provide some information on differences in stiffness. Those part numbers may be nothing more than the difference in the years. In some of the C4's the front shock was the same regardless of base or optional suspension. The rear shock was stiffer with Z51. The spring rates of 95-96 cars softened dramatically as you can see in the chart so the shock valving probably has to change too to maintain proper handling characteristics.
Bilstein can rebuild shocks and also provide custom valving for specific applications like autocross or track use. Bilstein in Poway, CA does that work. If you called 1-800 537-1085, that's the CA office. Ask to talk to Jack or Bill
The $55 per shock is from what I understand, am old price. Figure upwards of $65 to 100 for a custom valving job.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 7,411
Likes: 253
From: Little Elm TX
Re: Any Bilstein experts out there? (R94 LT 1)
BTW, thanks for that link as it also provides sway bar diameter sizes which I'll need when I rebuild the suspension shortly! :thumbs: :cheers:
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Little Elm TX
Re: Any Bilstein experts out there? (R94 LT 1)
C4cruiser. Thanks a lot. Looks like you actually found my answer. According to Hib he list the earlier Z51 shocks as a 4 and says: 4-Delco/Bilstein gas shock, Z51 specfic. The later ones are listed as a 10 and he says: 10-Delco/Bilstein gas shock with valving revised for improved ride, Z51 - specific
So my "theory" was correct!
:party:
So my "theory" was correct!
:party:
